The gift of caregiving: qualitative study about the intergenerational care given to the elderly - doi: 10.4025/cienccuidsaude.v10i3.11683

Abstract

This is a qualitative study with an ethnographic approach. With the theoretical foundation on Marcel Mauss’ Gift Theory, this study aimed to describe and interpret the movement of symbolic benefits exchanged between the elderlies and their family caregivers. The study participants were 10 elders and their 10 respective caregivers from other generations. Data was collected in different environment using the participant observation and semi-structured interviews. Data was analyzed by content analysis. The reciprocity was the central theme that emerged in the narratives, behavior and attitudes as structuring of the care given. The meaning attributed to the care and its practice was different in some contexts. In this case, it was evident that the socio-cultural values transmitted between generations are determinant to the king of care given. Caring elderly depends on caring previous situations and the importance of family bond. It is possible to affirm that the care is the gift that is current among the generations – a gift that updates and strengthens the bonding.